South Sudanese Spiced Salmon

Ingredients

In this adaptation, we have taken the concept of Swedish gravlax and infused it with the bold flavors of South Sudanese cuisine. The traditional dill and mustard flavors of gravlax have been replaced with a fragrant spice mixture featuring coriander, cumin, and paprika. Additionally, the dish is served with a tangy tomato salad and fluffy couscous, which are staple ingredients in South Sudanese cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Rye Whiskey Gravlax, so you can check it out.

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) salmon fillet 1 kg (2.2 lbs) salmon fillet
• 2 tablespoons coriander seeds 2 tablespoons coriander seeds
• 2 tablespoons cumin seeds 2 tablespoons cumin seeds
• 2 tablespoons paprika 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 tablespoon black peppercorns 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
• 1 tablespoon sea salt 1 tablespoon sea salt
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 4 tomatoes, diced 4 tomatoes, diced
• 1 red onion, finely chopped 1 red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cucumber, diced 1 cucumber, diced
• Juice of 1 lemon Juice of 1 lemon
• 250g (1 1/4 cups) couscous 250g (1 1/4 cups) couscous
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 3g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a dry skillet, toast the coriander seeds, cumin seeds, and black peppercorns until fragrant. Let them cool, then grind them into a fine powder.
2. 2.
   In a small bowl, mix together the ground spices, paprika, sea salt, and brown sugar.
3. 3.
   Place the salmon fillet in a shallow dish and rub the spice mixture all over it, ensuring it is evenly coated. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 24 hours.
4. 4.
   In the meantime, prepare the tomato salad by combining the diced tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, and lemon juice in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
5. 5.
   After 24 hours, remove the salmon from the refrigerator and rinse off the spice mixture. Pat it dry with a paper towel.
6. 6.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the salmon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
7. 7.
   While the salmon is baking, prepare the couscous according to the package instructions.
8. 8.
   Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, slice it into thin pieces.
9. 9.
   Serve the spiced salmon slices with a side of tomato salad and fluffy couscous. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Salmon — Ensure that the salmon fillet is fresh and of high quality to achieve the best flavor and texture.
• Coriander seeds — Toasting the coriander seeds before grinding them enhances their aroma and flavor.
• Cumin seeds — Similarly, toasting the cumin seeds brings out their nutty and earthy flavors.
• Paprika — Use a good quality paprika for a vibrant color and smoky flavor.
• Couscous — Fluff the cooked couscous with a fork to prevent clumping.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a pinch of chili powder to the spice mixture.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of spices used.
• Serve the spiced salmon with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for added brightness.
• If you don't have access to fresh salmon, you can use frozen salmon fillets, just make sure to thaw them properly before marinating.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile of the dish.

Serving advice

Serve the South Sudanese Spiced Salmon as a main course, accompanied by the tangy tomato salad and fluffy couscous. Garnish with fresh cilantro for an added burst of freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the sliced spiced salmon on a platter, garnished with sprigs of fresh cilantro. Place the tomato salad in a separate bowl and serve the fluffy couscous in a mound alongside the salmon. The vibrant colors of the dish will make it visually appealing.